There's more to life than just running. Like, yes, of course, it's kind of our entire business, but even then, there's only so much you can run (unless you're Jonty or Anthony, who both seem to be constantly running forever). Within the running community, you'll quickly find interesting people pursuing interesting things outside of the sport. Community builders, business founders, story-tellers.
Runlimited aims to elevate these stories, showcasing the rich community of runners in all of their glory, because for us, it's not just about the running. It's about the people behind it, and what the sport teaches us aside from the races and mileage and time-goals.
In the first instalment, we sat down with our friend Ben from Local Knowledge Coffee to discuss caffeine, community and what running can teach us about building a business from the ground up. Without further ado:
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Runlimited: Introduce yourself for the people out there
Ben Eames: I’m Ben, 27, living in Hackney and I own a coffee company called Local Knowledge Coffee which I founded in 2024 with my brother, Tom. Alongside this, I have been a competitive runner since the age of 10 and athletics has been a hugely formative part of my life. After earning my first England vest aged 15, I was diagnosed with Vasculitis, a rare blood disease that causes inflammation in the blood vessels of the affected area. In my case it affects my ears, nose and, crucially to running, my throat, where I have scarring causing a constricted airway. Following a lot of treatment that is ongoing, this disease hasn’t stopped me staying in the sport that I love. But in order to limit my frustration I do have to manage my expectations more and keep a realistic mindset to what I can achieve.
R: Why do running and coffee go so well together?
BE: Coffees place in running is multi faceted. It can be fuel for the engine. It can be the centre stage of a post run social. It can be a common interest between fellow runners or bridge a gap between coffee pros and pro runners. Coffee shops are like a safe haven after a tough session or long run. You’ve made it, you’re warm, you’ve done the hard work, have a coffee and cake. Beautiful. Coffee before running? Coffee after running? Yes please.
R: What was your first love: running or coffee?
Running, competitive running. First love. One true love. Coffee has become a huge focus point and something I’ve dedicated my life to throughout my 20s, but it’s not Athletics.
R: For those that don't know, tell us what Local Knowledge is and what you are about
BE: We are a coffee company. We roast coffee. Sell coffee. Community focused and with a strong tie to running. My brother and I run for Les Croupiers and Highgate Harriers respectively and we actually have discounted offers for those clubs members. We love this sport and we want to stay true to our roots in the sport. Our website and Subscription launches this June (2025) and we’re excited to grow this movement.
R: You recently took Local Knowledge out into the real world... Congrats! How was your launch event? How did (or does!) it feel?
BE: The LK launch event was different gravy. We did a bar takeover for the morning at Rosslyn Coffee, which was packed out. Coffee flowing and a lot of energy in the building. To see many years of work and ambition play out exactly how I’d planned it was truly incredible. I feel very grateful to have such a brilliant support network around me, none more so than my co-founder and brother Tom and our Mum, Sharon. We also had a Cardiff launch at Sibling Coffee which was equally as successful and heartwarming. My brother is based there and his community of friends and caffeine-minded folks really showed out in their numbers. The post-park run-crew is a mighty beast in Cardiff.
R: This speaks to coffee as a vehicle for community building - what is it about coffee that fosters community? Not to get all philosophical (but please do if you want!)
BE: I believe in the power of coffee and the specialty coffee industry. My place in it has always been driven by choice. I will always do a job I want to do and do it very well. I’ve never sold out for a job behind the scenes for more money or a better schedule. I believe the best work is done where people can see you and you can see them. Sell yourself, engage, share, chat, impress… it’s meant to be fun.
R: Back to the hard hitting questions: what's harder, training for, and running, a race, or founding a business?
BE: Starting a business is harder. Just based on the fact that you’re often relying on others to do their bit or buy into your vision. Nothing is a guarantee. Training and racing is all on you. You take full control and usually get out what you put in, very directly. Sure, you can surround yourself with good athletes, but they can’t do the miles for you. You have control and autonomy.
R: Any similarities between the two?
BE: The similarities between the coffee industry and running are simple. It’s bloody hard work to make meaningful progress, you have to do a lot of work you might not like and it’s a thankless task.
R: Anything else you want to voice to the world!!
BE: Drink our lovely coffee, we are very proud of this product and the community supporting it. More importantly, be curious. Take risks. Doesn’t just have to be coffee or running. The most interesting and compelling stories begin with curiosity and courage.
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You can find Ben and Local Knowledge Coffee on Instagram
